(a) As used in this chapter, "eligible county" means a county that has:

1. (1) a population of more than one hundred thousand (100,000) and less than seven hundred thousand (700,000); and

2. (2) a major obstruction between commercial or population centers which is capable of causing an economic hardship because of excess travel required to conduct a normal level of commerce between the two (2) centers.

   A major obstruction which is a part of a county boundary or a state boundary does not qualify for the purpose of this chapter.

(b) As used in this chapter, "major bridge" means the following:

1. (1) A structure that is two hundred (200) or more feet in length and that is erected over a depression or an obstruction for the purpose of carrying motor vehicular traffic or other moving loads. However, the structure shall be one hundred (100) or more feet in length in a city having any of the following populations:

   1. (A) More than sixty-five thousand (65,000) and less than seventy thousand (70,000).
   2. (B) More than sixty thousand (60,000) and less than sixty-five thousand (65,000).
   3. (C) More than thirty-one thousand (31,000) and less than thirty-one thousand five hundred (31,500).
2. (2) An underpass of any length that is designed to carry motor vehicle traffic or other moving loads.

(c) As used in this chapter, "major obstruction" means a physical barrier to the passage of motor vehicle traffic that inhibits the use of the customary highway construction techniques to bridge the barrier without use of a grade separation structure.

As added by Acts 1979, P.L.96, SEC.1. Amended by Acts 1982, P.L.1, SEC.28; P.L.86-1988, SEC.21; P.L.12-1992, SEC.65; P.L.61-1992, SEC.1; P.L.1-1993, SEC.50; P.L.170-2002, SEC.67; P.L.119-2012, SEC.96; P.L.11-2023, SEC.38.